Welcome to All Things Go, a new music blog that's fun for the whole family. ATG consists of five main writers, with a sprinkle of guest writers here and there. With updates daily, ATG will feature a plethora (or hodgepodge, you decide) of new music, ranging from hardcore to hip-hop, classics to up-and-coming groups, and dance rock to just plain adorable indie. No matter your music taste, we have the songs to satisfy your palate. Enjoy.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

I found this little gem of a band when I heard that Lujo Records (Drugstore Cowboys, Roy) had some new signees. Florida's Look Mexico is the closest any band has come to in recreating the sound of American Football - they pull it off phenomenally. However, I would hardly say they're the same. Firstly, the obvious difference in the production quality of both band's material - rather than possessing a rough, atmospheric sound, Look Mexico's recordings are more lush and vibrant. Look Mexico also demonstrates difference from its harbinger in style - while the band at times may share the same post-emo sound of American Football's "Honestly?", the guitarwork also falls into a more arpeggiated landscape, sometimes resembling the intricate yet driving hooks of Minus the Bear. Comparisons aside, Look Mexico's The Crucial EP makes me feel warm inside. It's feel-good music that should appeal to pretty much anybody.
Look Mexico - Call Off Your Lap DogLook Mexico - Guys I Need a Helicopter
-Adrian

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

The Dear Hunter is the opus of Casey Cresenzo, former vocalist, guitarist, and creative force behind Boston electro-posthardcore outfit, The Receiving End of Sirens. Cresenzo impressed many with his work in TREOS; their combination of traditional instruments with carefully synchronized electronic segments and anthemic hooks brought the band much acclaim from critics as well as establishing a dedicated fan base. But now all that is past and frankly, without Cresenzo, the band will never be the same. Fortunately he has decided to keep pursuing his musical endeavors through the Dear Hunter. Act I: The Lake South, the River North is the most well-orchestrated music I've heard in a long time. Each song, save for the short ones, is comprised of so many different segments. Within each song Cresenzo brings an amalgam of instruments together, including traditional, electronic, and orchestral (at times it seems like an entire symphony is backing him up). Cresenzo deservingly earns himself the title of maestro with Act I; it takes an advanced, musical mind to even begin constructing a mental image of the epic songs found on this EP. It's hard to fit the Dear Hunter into one genre, but I can tell you this: if you don't like Cresenzo's sound (which you honestly must be crazy not to) then you'll at least respect the music immensely for its intricate arrangments. That's something that can't be said for most artists today.
The Dear Hunter - City EscapeThe Dear Hunter - The Inquiry of Ms. TerriThe Dear Hunter - 1878
-Adrian

Monday, September 18, 2006

If any of you remember, I took over my friend's radio show for a little bit last year. Well this time I've managed to snag my own slot, Tuesdays from 12-2pm on Georgetown Radio. So if you've got nothing else to do tomorrow why not listen to my first show? I haven't decided on a title yet, which I have to do at some point soon, so if anybody has any suggestions leave them in the comments. If you have any requests feel free to IM them to me (AIM: WGTB Requests). Thanks everybody!
Click here to listen to Georgetown Radio
-Adrian

Sunday, September 17, 2006

I experienced history. This past week, the Flaming Lips made their first stop ever in Charlottesville, VA, playing at the outdoor Charlottesville Pavillion and was without a doubt, one of my most memorable concert experiences ever.
I was surprised to find only one opening band, Deerhoof. A three piece from San Francisco, Deerhoof's surprising combination of manic drumming, experimental art-rock, noise, and an adorable japanese singer caught my attention, but it was too difficult for me to appreciate the music, which I had never heard before. Also, considering how it was still light outside, Deerhoof had to play without the benefit of a serious lightshow. Interesting music, yes. Interesting live music, not quite.
Putting Deerhoof behind though, I didn't know what to expect from the Lips. I have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect until after the girls in alien and santa claus costumes came out on stage. The band quickly followed them, without Wayne Coynes. Suddenly a huge plastic ball rolls out onto the crowd, containing Wayne inside.
Then it all started. Wayne assumed his position on stage, the lights flared, and countless huge, blue balloons appeared out of thin air. I've never seen a show quite like it. Confetti cannons aimed out of the crowd at either end of the stage, while all manner of LED, strobe, and conventional lighting illuminated the stage from both the front and behind the band. The biggest eye catcher was the huge screen used as a backdrop for the show. They used the screen to project a wide variety of synchronized videos, from music videos, to pseudo-psychedelic images, to clips of japanese game shows. The most unique images, however, happened to come from a small camera attached to the microphone point up to Wayne's face, letting the crowd really see the emotion in his face as he adressed the crowd.
They played all of their hit songs, and a few more that I had never heard, making a total set list of around 12 songs, including a double-encore. Like many bands, they encouraged crowd participation through sing-alongs, but I've never before heard a louder "YEAH-YEAH-YEAH...."
You get the idea.
Just to wrap up, there's no possible way that I can package the Flaming Lips' live experience in words, so I'd like to thank my friend Corrine for helping me capture the concert on video and putting it online.

What made the Matches' E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals stand out from the rest of their pop-punk compatriots was their spin on the genre. There was something about their sound that was raw and uncontained. Obviously something had to stand out in order to get signed to punk-pioneering label, Epitaph. This time around the band tweaks their sound a bit and tries to show that they're capable of more. Their sophomore effort, Decomposer, demonstrates efforts to play around with keyboards and electronics. Although it doesn't sound bad, it's difficult to see how the band will play some of these songs live unless there's a) an extra guy on stage or b) they simply press a button a la Panic! at the Disco to get the desired results. The band also takes it a lot easier on the pop-punk on their second album and takes an artsier approach to their music. As a result, they end up with a solid, refined rock album. Although this may not be their catchiest collection of songs, Decomposer is definetly a showcase of the band's maturing abilities as songwriters.
The Matches - Salty EyesThe Matches - Sunburn vs. the RhinovirusThe Matches - Didi (My Doe Part 2)The Matches - Drive
-Adrian

Saturday, September 16, 2006

I can remember roughly a year ago downloading ‘Idaho’ by Finest Dearest and it playing in my iPod over and over… and over. Now, one member short, the five-piece group from San Francisco is mixing together a lovely little 7-inch that will come out at some point (though nowhere have I been able to find out when). Accompanying the release will be a tour through the northeast, so if you want to groove and you’re in the Seattle-Portland area, check them out, and then report back to me what you think of them live.
From ‘Idaho’ to their new song off their 7-inch, ‘Making a Sound 1,’ the change in sound shows quite a leap in musical growth and maturity for them. Their sound has a bit more edge and everything sounds a lot more alternative. Though the instrumentals are noisier, Carly’s vocals remain wonderful as ever. You can befriend them on MySpace here, where you can find tour dates and listen to older songs.
Finest Dearest - Making a Sound 1Finest Dearest - March into Flames
-Samantha

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Hey, I’m Samantha and I’m new to writing for All Things Go, and I’m pretty excited to be doing so. I’m 16 and a junior in high school in the city of Laurel, Maryland, a lovely suburb of DC. I enjoy the simple things in life, like waking up and walking around the house naked while drinking coffee (Fair trade coffee). It would be helpful to give readers some insight into my musical tastes, so naturally, I’m posting a ten song mix that represents my tastes. The music I like tends to be more on the eclectic side, rather than something that I could simply define in a few words.
Karate – With Age
Karate is just one of the few bands that can pull off guitar solos in every single song that I can actually enjoy. Karate broke up late last year (or early this year) and Geoff Farina is off doing his own solo thing that I haven’t been able to get into yet.
The Decemberists – Los Angeles, I’m Yours
This song has sentimental value, as it was the first “indie” song I ever heard. They also happen to be one of my favourite bands to see live, and I’ll be seeing them yet again when they come to DC in late October.
Kings of Convenience – I’d Rather Dance With You
All songs with anything orchestrated are always a great idea. Piano can also upgrade a song as well. Anything different then the simple guitar, bass, drum pattern is willing accepted in my book.
Spoon – The Way We Get By (The Devil’s Dishes Rarities)
The Way We Get By is hands down my absolute favourite Spoon song, and since the original version of The Way We Get By has already been posted, I’ll just post this [much better] version. It's a rough version, but the more rough, the better it is.
Interpol – Slow Hands (Britt Daniel’s remix)
I’m probably partial to this song because of a. Britt Daniel; b. added in piano made this song infinitely better; and c. there is a killer bass solo. I think 'a.' explains it all, but, who knows.
Jose Gonzalez and The Knife – Heartbeats
This is most likely the greatest idea for a mix ever. This song is stunning with either the Knife's version or Jose's. Jose has a talent like no other musician I've ever heard to take any song and make it even better than the original.
Swan Lake – All Fires
Essentially this song ties together my love for Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, and Swan Lake all in one lovely piece.
Jason Anderson - So Long
Lo-fi or die? Jason Anderson is an amazing musician who used to bang the drums for Microphones and then went solo. Personally, I think it was a brilliant idea, because his lyrics are so simple, yet moving.
Animal Collective – We Tigers
May I bang like this? We Tigers is the song most likely to be heard in my car, and the most likely to annoy whichever car is next to me at a red light. Animal Collective is a band I couldn’t stand for the longest time, and now I am obsessed with everything they do. I try not to be close-minded when it comes to music, but it will sometimes take more than a push to get myself to like something.
Sufjan Stevens - Borderline (Live at Judson College 11-19-03)
It's Soof! 'Nuff said.
Ennnnjooyyy.
-Samantha

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Colorado's Fear Before the March of Flames are back with a record that is sure to surprise awaiting fans. The Always Open Mouth, the much anticipated follow-up to 2004's Art Damage is the band's third Equal Vision Records release. What separates TAOM from their previous material is their expanded roster; with the induction of second guitarist Zach Hutchings and Billy Johnson on keys, the band has been able to add a new level of sound to their music. You can sense a certain "epicness" in every song. The guitar work is phenomenal; rather than constantly using distinct math-riffs in most of their songs (as it was in AD), the guitars experiment with other sounds, at times sounding ambient while at others uncharacteristically melodic and catchy. The keyboards go a long way as well, adding a well-placed electronic vibe to their music. Another thing I find great is the change in vocals. One complaint that I've had with the band in the past is the raspiness of David Marion's vocals. It's not that they're bad or anything, but at times it seems so inaudible that there really doesn't seem to be any use in writing actual lyrics. TAOM changes that; as well as tweaking the aforementioned problem, Marion switches it up more often, either speaking or giving a shot at singing himself (at least I think he does). There's still plenty of singing on guitarist Adam Fisher's part; his voice has always gone well with the band's music and only gets better this time around.
Fear Before the March of Flames - Taking Cassandra to the End of the World PartyFear Before the March of Flames - Of Horses and MedicineFear Before the March of Flames - Complete and Utter Confusion...Fear Before the March of Flames - ...As a Result of Signals Being Crossed
All in all, this is a damn good album and was definetly worth the wait. Fans should be please once The Always Open Mouth hits shelves September 19th.
-Adrian

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Word on the street is that the title track is going to the first single of Plus 44's debut album. "When Your Heart Stops Beating" has a very different vibe than the rest of their released material; it's a lot poppier than "Lycanthrope," even sounding 80's-ish at times. I'm still really excited to listen to the entire album. So far Hoppus has demonstrated that no track sounds the same. Hopefully the same can be said when When Your Heart Stops Beating hits stores in November.
Plus 44 - When Your Heart Stops Beating
-Adrian

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

I've meant to post on Chris Tsagakis' side project, Technology, for quite some time now. Tsagakis is more commonly known as the drummer for the Rx Bandits. In his spare time however, as well as being an accomplished artist on canvas, he also records electronic music of his own. I've only been able to find a couple of songs online, but I'm planning on ordering a copy of his cd in the near future. I suggest you all do the same (it's only six bucks, why not?). Until then, here's one of his tracks for download. "1337" is a fabulous, instrumental combination of electronic music with Tsagakis' innovative drumwork. Be warned though: the song clocks in at over thirteen minutes long.
Technology - 1337
-Adrian

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Now that the hype over Angels and Airwaves has settled, it's now time for the second of two Blink182 side projects to fully emerge. Plus 44 (Mark Hoppus, Travis Barker, Shane Gallagher of the Nervous Return, Craig Fairbaugh of The Mercy Killers), contrary to Mr. Delonge, have taken a more modest approach to their music. Everything's been kept pretty much under wraps until recently. Only now are we getting glimpses into what the album may sound like, as well as Mark's insight into the Blink breakup. Although only two songs have been released (one of which is only demo quality), I've got a feeling that Plus 44's debut album, When Your Heart Stops Beating, will be better than AVA's We Don't Need to Whisper. P44's two released songs, "No It Isn't" and "Lycanthrope," are both great yet completely different. Fortunately, Hoppus says we should expect a very diverse album, which should come as a sigh of relief for those of us who have become bored with AVA. As much as I enjoy Delonge's latest efforts, every track feels like some toyshop rendition of a U2 song. P44's WYHSB should be a well-rounded effort, containing plenty of electronic tracks as well as standard band tracks.
Plus 44 - LycanthropePlus 44 - No It Isn'tDates for the band's first tour have been released. I suggest buying tickets for these show once they're on sale. It may be the first and last time they'll be playing club shows.
-Adrian

Monday, September 04, 2006

Cheers to a holiday that every child laments. Labor Day signals the start of a new school year, and while some old folks might be getting a day off from work, every child across America is pained to hear these two simple words. Here are a couple Labor Day-related songs to get you young chilluns ready for another year. You'll notice "Labor Day (It's a Holiday)" by Black Eyed Peas isn't available for download here. That was intentional.
The Format - If Work Permits
Hanalei - Nothing Works
J Dilla - Workinonit
Modest Mouse - The Devil's Workday
Talib Kweli - Work it Out
Aesop Rock - Labor
Have a good Lazy, er Labor Day.
Also, be sure to check out the Instrumental Mixtape below this post. It took me a while to put together, so you better appreciate it. bitch. AND, I'm still looking for an invite to Oink so someone help me out please.
-Zack

Am I alone in thinking that sometimes lyrics or singing can get in the way of a beautiful song? I appreciate artists that can form a mood and feeling of a song without having lyrics to help listeners understand. I also hate songs that have no body but just monotonous "background" music and a voice to carry the song (see: Dave Matthews). Anyways, I thought it was about time that some bands that create excellent instrumental tracks get a chance to shine here at All Things Go. These may not be the best of the best, but these are songs that either I am into completely right now or that really capture a mood perfectly without lyrics. With that being said, here is the All Things Go Instrumental Mixtape. Enjoy.
As usual, you can download the Mixtape as a whole directly below or download each song individually.
All Things Go Instrumental Mixtape (.zip) (follow link and instructions)
1. Ratatat - Lex
I am completely and totally in love with anything that Ratatat does so it comes as no surprise that this song, off their latest release, Classics, made it onto the mixtape. When the album first leaked, I had only had a chance to listen to "Wildcat" and "Tacobel Canon" (which I posted on earlier), but, on my trip to Martha's Vineyard, Derek of GWFAS informed me that "Lex" was the real gem of the album. With powerful drums, overdriven guitars and helicopter noises (yes, fucking helicopter noises), this song might just give "Seventeen Years" a run for it's money as the best that Ratatat has to offer.
2. Air - Alpha Beta Gaga
Air is another one of those bands that puts out alot of instrumental music, but they aren't completely one-dimensional and do occasionally add lyrics to their work. This track, however, substitutes lyrics for whimsical whistling (alliteration!) and adorable synths. I can't tell if the melody towards the end of the song is a guitar, banjo, mandolin, uekelele, or whatever but I can tell that it makes me quite happy.
3. Royksopp - Eple
I originally heard this song on Derek's Dance Dance...Dance M3, and immediately fell in love with the catchy, upbeat vibe. I am completely unashamed to say that "Eple" is actually my cellphone's ringtone and I double dog dare you readers to listen to this song and not get the whistling melody stuck in your head. When intoxicated, a listener of "Eple" might feel as though they are actually inside the song. True story.
4. DJ Shadow - Organ Donor
I was first introduced to DJ Shadow by my brother Alex, and "Organ Donor" was the first song I heard. I wrote it off as semi-techno and forgot about the song altogether. I then listened to all of DJ Shadow's finest album, Endtroducing, including another Shadow favorite of mine, "Building Steam With A Grain of Salt", and I listened to "Organ Donor" again, this time with a more open mind. I took the song in a completely different way that time, so here it is on the mixtape.
5. Mountains in the Sky - Noah's Arkestra
I wrote a post a few months back asking you guys to help me find the song from the NBA Playoffs commercial (no, not Remember the Name by Fort Minor). It turns out others were looking for it too, and we eventually found it. The creaky, almost spooky beginning segues perfectly into the drum beat, much like "Ghostwriter" (the next track on this mix), and climaxes quite nicely.
6. RJD2 - Ghostwriter
This song is far and away my favorite song in this mixtape, and has been in heavy rotation for me all summer. Structured very similarly to "Noah's Arkestra, "Ghostwriter" is the creation of one of many beat-making white guys that have done some serious work with hip-hop artists, such as DJ Shadow, Keiran Hebden, and Cut Chemist. This song has that ability that I talked about of changing a mood and setting a tone, and, in my opinion, is the ideal summer chill song.
7. Four Tet - Everything is Alright
I'm not going to pull a Derek and use words (or in this case, compound words) like demi-god to describe Keiran Hebden AKA Four Tet, even though I'm pretty sure that's the most fitting description. Four Tet was featured on the second edition of the Night Drive Mixtape, and he appears here again with his masterpiece "Everything is Alright". I don't know how to put into words how much I love this song, but I can say that when I listen to it, I picture myself in an indie film driving at night through the rain, possibly in a high speed chase. PS: I love you Derek.
8. A Small Good Thing - Saloon Dreams
Another track that I discovered through on of Lizzy's sweet mixes, "Saloon Dreams" is a quiet, unobtrusive lullabye that's perfect for a relaxing night of reading or something (note: I don't read, so thats just a guess). While it is fairly monotonous, it's perfect background music in my opinion and really holds up without lyrics.
9. The Album Leaf - Twentytwofourteen
I know I know. It's an unwritten rule that you can't feature the same song on two separate mixtapes. Well I say fuck unwritten rules. This song is too good to not be featured again. I'll be posting a little piece on these guys in the very near future as I just came across the advance for their newest album, Into the Blue Again.
10. Dntel - Your Hill
Let's do some math. 1/2 Postal Service + Dntel + James Figurine = Jimmy Tamborello. While Jimmy is best known for his work with Ben Gibbard on The Postal Service, he does have a few projects of his own, including Dntel and James Figurine (who's been going around the blogs recently). Dntel is a favorite of ATG writer Austin, and he's the reason I first heard these guys. This song features an accordian and, even though this is the Instrumental Mixtape, Jimmy's quivering voice towards the end of the song. "Last Songs", another Dntel track from Jimmy's 2001 release, Life is Full of Possibilities, was featured on the ATG Sleep Mixtape.
Bonus: Sebastian Tellier - La Ritournelle
Only because I love you did I include a bonus track. I can't say I know much of anything about Tellier, other than that Derek and Everett are absolutely and completely in love with this song. I made this track a bonus because there are lyrics towards the end of the song, and because it needs to be heard. An incredible beautiful song beginning to end, and a great ending to the Instrumental Mixtape.
I hope you all enjoyed this as much, if not more, than the previous mixtapes. As always, hit me up with some feedback in the comments. Let me know what songs you like most or songs that you think should be on the mix (for example, ask me why there is no Explosions in the Sky on this mix. Except don't. The answer is I forgot to put it on.). I'm interested to see how you guys feel about this mix in particular. Just remember, lyrics are nothing without the music behind them.
Also, on a completely different note, I am desperately looking for an invite to Oink or even to borrow someone else's username. I'm willing to pay and it'd really help fuel my writing to get even more advances and singles and whatnot. So if you have an account or invite, please help me out and e-mail me at allthingsgoblog@gmail.com. Thanks.
-Zack

Friday, September 01, 2006

Young Widows was brought to my attention after reading today's ap.net review of their upcoming release, Settle Down City. Born from the remnants of Louisville's Breather Resist, Young Widows digresses from BR's harder sound to that of more familiar indie-core bands such as These Arms Are Snakes. YW finds a nice medium between the two, calmer than their previous work but more raw and uninhibited than TAAS. Their sound's a bit too eerie at times, making it something I can't listen to over and over. Nevertheless, the music's great, original, and definetly worth checking out.
Young Widows - The CharmersListen to "Mirrorfucker", "Small Talk", and "Almost Deadbeat" here...
Also, I haven't been able to find much new music lately that's worth writing about. Any recommendations?
-Adrian
[photosource: ryanrussell.net]